Seven Day Tour - The Magic of Extremadura in Winter
Tuesday 2nd - Tuesday 9th February 2010
Leader: Bob Buckler
Extremadura in winter is famous for its vast flocks of over-wintering Common Cranes, numbers in excess of 60,000 have been recorded in recent times, Cranes arrive en-masse in November and most have gone by the end of February. Other species wintering in good number include Red Kites and Greylag Geese, whilst the numbers of many other species of wildfowl and waders may vary depending on the climate in more northern areas of Europe.
The area is furnished with ice-free lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers, water meadows and reed-fringed rice fields that attract a good variety of wintering wildfowl and waders. The resident species tend to flock in large numbers, including the steppe specialities, giving better opportunities to see them once a flock is located.
With a typical Mediterranean climate the area is dominated by high-pressure systems in the winter as well as during the height of summer. Long periods of clear blue skies can settle with windy conditions unusual at this time of the year, although some cloud, mist and rain can be expected.
The Birds
An emphasis will be placed on searching the rivers, lakes, marshes and rice fields because that is where we are most likely to encounter the many species of wildfowl and waders, and of course, large flocks of Cranes. Birds we can expect on or near the water, include White Storks, Greylag Geese, Little and Cattle Egrets, Grey Heron, Water Rail, Purple Swamphen, Kingfisher, Great Crested, Little and Black-necked Grebe. Ducks can include Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Teal, Wigeon, Pintail and Gadwall. Also abundant are Cetti’s Warbler and Zitting Cisticola. Some unusual introduced species like Common Waxbills and Red Avadavats will be encountered in areas south of Finca Marta. These tiny finch-like birds form small post-breeding flocks and can be found along the banks and man-made reed-filled ditches of the rice fields, where will also search for Penduline Tits.
The variety of raptor species on show may include: Black-winged Kite, Red Kite, Marsh and Hen Harriers, Golden, Bonelli’s and Spanish Imperial Eagles. Griffon and Monk (Black) Vultures may be seen anywhere, but during our trip to Montfrague we should catch up with both of them as well as Peregrine Falcon and Kestrel. Both Marsh and Hen Harriers should be found over the reed beds and extensive open grasslands, together with the dashing Merlin, it is little wonder that small passerine flocks of larks and buntings are very flighty.
Other birds to look for in Montfrague Park include, Black Redstart, Rock Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush, Crested Tit, Firecrest, Red-billed Chough, Crag Martin and Eagle Owl.
All the winter resident steppe species will be looked for (including Great Spotted Cuckoo, which often begins to arrive in February). Steppe species include: Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Great and Little Bustards, Calandra, Thekla, Crested, Sky and Wood Larks. Southern Grey Shrikes and Hoopoes will be much in evidence whilst, Sardinian and Dartford Warblers may be found in the cistus scrub. Many of the resident raptors may be seen over the steppe.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
The journey from Madrid to Extremadura will allow several interesting birds to be recorded from the vehicle, White Stork, Red Kite, Griffon Vulture and most probably the ubiquitous Crested Lark.
Our first main stop will be Embalse de Arrocampo, a large reservoir with an open expanse of water and dense bulrush beds on the gently sloping banks. Fan-tailed (Zitting Cisticola) and Cetti’s Warbler will be found here and we may get close views of Purple Gallinule (Swamphen), Water Rail, Little and Great Crested Grebes, Coots and Cormorants. Our first Hoopoe of the trip may be found and large flocks of Lapwings, Golden Plover and Starlings are usually present. These attract Peregrine Falcons whilst flocks of Corn Buntings and Avadavats may lure Merlins in to hunt.
We may also see Marsh and Hen Harriers, Kingfisher, Snipe, Grey Herons, Little and Cattle Egrets. Whilst White Storks, perch, bill-clapping nearby at their nest sites. Little Owl and Southern Grey Shrike may also be on show. The passerines in the reeds may include Reed Bunting and Chiffchaff, and if we are lucky Penduline Tits.
Arriving at Finca Santa Marta there may be enough daylight left giving time for a quick walk. Large numbers of Azure-winged Magpies feed in the grounds and surrounding olive groves, with a roosting flock of over 50 seen regularly. The familiar site of winter Thrush flocks will be in evidence with a mixture of Song Thrushes, Blackbirds and Redwings. Whilst in the surrounding fields and hedgerows we may see Woodlark, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler and Short-toed Treecreeper. Closer to the buildings Spanish Sparrow, Black Redstart, Spotless Starlings and White Storks are usually on show. We could have notched up to 50 species in one afternoon, what a start to the tour!
Days 2-7
We will spend the rest of our time exploring the many different and interesting habitats of Extremadura. The Casares and Belen Plains, Montfrague National Park, we will search the rice fields south of Madrigalejo and visit areas around Vegas Altas and the plains of La Serena. The Embalse de Sierra Brava and Embalse de Orellana should provide good opportunities to boost our wildfowl list. Another day will find us around Guadalupe, searching the rivers, streams and rocky gorges of the Sierras de Villuercas, there we may find Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Siskin and it is a good place to look for Eagle Owl and Bonelli’s Eagle. A vast array of habitats will be found throughout the week and accordingly a good variety of birds should be encountered.
Nights at Finca Marta.
The cost of the tours includes: 7 nights Bed, Breakfast and Evening Meals, wine is included with the evening meals at Finca Santa Marta. (The accommodation is good quality in superb surroundings), transport throughout and the services of the guide.
Not included in the price: Return airfare UK-Spain, travel insurance, lunches, one evening meal, drinks and other expenses of a personal nature.
Seats will be booked with Easyjet for this Tour. The release date for the winter 2009/10 timetable is usually early autumn, prices vary but on average a return flight will cost between £50 - £90 and sometimes quite a bit cheaper.
Tour price £800 - single supplement £90. (those willing to share a twin room please let me know).
